Cha Cha Real Smooth
Cha Cha Real Smooth

Cha Cha Real Smooth

2022Movie108 minEnglish

Fresh out of college and stuck at his New Jersey home without a clear path forward, 22-year-old Andrew begins working as a party starter for bar/bat mitzvahs—where he strikes up a unique friendship with a young mom and her teenage daughter.

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Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users91%
Director: Cooper RaiffGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A recent college graduate, Andrew, finds himself at a crossroads, working as a party starter for his younger brother's bar and bat mitzvahs. He develops an unlikely friendship with a local mother, Domino, and her autistic daughter, Lola, while navigating his own complicated relationships and uncertain future. The film explores themes of growing up, finding connection, and the messy realities of young adulthood.

Critical Reception

Cha Cha Real Smooth was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its heartfelt storytelling, authentic portrayal of relationships, and strong performances, particularly from writer-director Cooper Raiff. It was a breakout hit at the Sundance Film Festival, resonating with audiences for its warmth and relatable depiction of navigating early adulthood.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming and authentic depiction of modern relationships and quarter-life crises.
  • Applauded for its heartfelt performances and the unique chemistry between the lead actors.
  • Noted for its blend of humor and poignant moments, offering a refreshing take on coming-of-age stories.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film for its genuine emotional core, likable characters, and a refreshing, non-clichéd approach to exploring young adult life and complex relationships. Many highlighted the movie's humor and its ability to be both funny and deeply moving.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of the Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Writer-director and star Cooper Raiff was inspired by his own experiences working as a bar mitzvah party starter in his hometown of Dallas, Texas.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
MarciaClarke

MarciaClarke

This movie is very middle of the road blandness. It is an incredibly sanitized portrait of mental illness, neurodivergence, and depression. All these apparently flawed people seem to fill their days with well-adjusted and open discussions a...
Nathan

Nathan

Cha Cha Real Smooth was an incredibly enjoyable film that I savored every minute of. Cooper Raiff's direction may not have been technically flawless, but his vision for the film as a whole was brilliant. The characters feel so authentic, wi...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/cha-cha-real-smooth-spoiler-free-review "Cha Cha Real Smooth holds incredible authenticity elevated by superb performances and an emotionally impactful story. Cooper ...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Cooper Raiff did just about everything on this quickly paced and rather touching comedy drama. He plays the 22-year old "Andrew", whom we first meet as a young boy who has a crush on a party starter. Dejected after his inevitable rejection,...